us.cnn.com
Herculaneum Scroll Deciphered: "On Vices" by Philodemus
Using virtual unwrapping technology, researchers deciphered a carbonized scroll from Herculaneum, revealing it as "On Vices" by the Greek philosopher Philodemus, part of a larger ethical treatise, potentially the first book, challenging previous assumptions and opening new avenues for understanding Epicurean philosophy.
- What is the significance of successfully identifying the title and author of the Herculaneum scroll, PHerc. 172?
- Researchers have deciphered a 2,000-year-old scroll from Herculaneum, identifying it as "On Vices" by the Greek philosopher Philodemus. This discovery, achieved through virtual unwrapping techniques, marks the first time a scroll's title has been successfully read from a Vesuvius-buried text. The scroll, PHerc. 172, is part of a larger ethical treatise and may be the first book in the series, challenging prior assumptions about the series's opening text.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this non-invasive technology for the study of other fragile ancient texts?
- This breakthrough in deciphering the Herculaneum papyri will deepen understanding of Philodemus' ethical philosophy and its context within the broader Epicurean tradition. The possibility that this scroll is the first book in his "On Vices" treatise offers a unique perspective on the development of his ideas. Future applications of this virtual unwrapping technique could lead to further discoveries, revolutionizing how we study ancient texts.
- How does this discovery advance our understanding of Philodemus' philosophical writings and their place within Epicurean thought?
- The successful decoding of PHerc. 172 highlights the potential of non-invasive techniques for studying ancient texts. The discovery is significant because it confirms the presence of Philodemus' ethical works in the Herculaneum villa and provides new insights into his philosophy. This advancement in virtual unwrapping technology could lead to more breakthroughs in understanding these fragile scrolls, allowing for greater knowledge of ancient Roman culture.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative emphasizes the success of the Vesuvius Challenge and the achievement of the researchers. The headline and introduction highlight the discovery of the title and author, framing the story as a significant breakthrough in the study of ancient texts. This framing is positive, but it may not fully represent the complexities and challenges involved in the research process.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the discovery of the scroll's title and author, and the methodology used. While it mentions other discoveries from the Vesuvius Challenge, it doesn't delve deeply into the content of "On Vices" itself or explore differing interpretations of Philodemus' philosophy. This omission might limit the reader's understanding of the broader implications of the find. However, given the article's aim to report on a specific breakthrough, this omission could be considered acceptable due to scope limitations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and decipherment of the ancient scroll, "On Vices" by Philodemus, contributes to our understanding of ancient Greek philosophy and ethical thought. This enhances educational resources and expands knowledge in the humanities, directly impacting the quality of education and access to historical and philosophical insights.